What's among the Grand Rapids city commission's top 10 priorities -- and what's not

People arrive for a prayer rally outside of City Hall in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. (Mike Clark | MLive.com file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids city commissioners are about to undergo their budget deliberations for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Since November, commissioners have been briefed on different parts of the city's budget, and on some possible investments.

Before making any decisions, the commission sat down in December to rank their priorities for the coming year. Commissioners -- including then-First Ward Commissioner Dave Shaffer and his elected replacement, Kurt Reppart -- cast votes in a facilitated process.

The commission hired the public relations firm to conduct an audit of their efforts and provide a strategy for moving forward. Truscott Rossman's proposal includes hiring two additional staff members to fill out a new communications department.

The city commission wants to develop goals and targets for affordable housing at different income levels. Preserving existing affordable housing -- and understanding where it exists in the city was also noted as important.